LEWISTON – The Public Theatre, Lewiston-Auburn’s professional theater, brings a rare treat to local audiences with a somewhat obscure Irish play called “Moonshine” by Jim Nolan.

This is the type of show that the Public Theatre does best. The play has never been performed in Maine, it’s a bit offbeat, and it’s unusual enough to make you leave the theater saying, “Boy! That was a really interesting show.” And best of all, it is adeptly directed by Janet Mitchko, the talented associate artistic director at this Lewiston-based theater.

The action takes place on Good Friday in a small Irish village where everything seems to be going wrong. The local undertaker, McKeever (Donald Kimmel), is preparing for an eventful Easter weekend as he balances the need to attend to the dying while also masterminding the staging of a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (His cast deserts him, so he’s left to do the show with only four actors.)

Meanwhile, the local Protestant church is closing down and its vicar, the Rev. John Langton (Rory James Kelly), is rapidly losing his faith while coping with a wife who is dying. And, after a five-year absence, the vicar’s daughter, Elizabeth (Shannon Emerick), returns to town to make peace with her dying mother and to confront a past love affair with the undertaker.

McKeever’s assistant, Michael (David Mawhinney), is nervously preparing for his mortuary duties while trying to learn multiple roles for the upcoming stage production. He’s smitten with Bridget (Robin Benson), who aspires to an acting career and hopes to make her mark in the local theatrical production. And all the action seems to circle Griffin (Caleb Mayo) a rough-around-the-edges townie eager to make a fast dollar, whether it’s digging a gravesite or performing in the Shakespearean production.

This unlikely set of characters intertwines in a show that’s poignant, reflective and, ultimately positive, in spite of all the woeful happenings.

Kimmel is exceptional as the overeager undertaker, a person who’s been a pivotal part of everyone’s lives. He’s the center of their universe and the driving force in this show. Kimmel is a brilliant addition to the Public Theatre stage.

The rest of the cast is truly an ensemble. Kelly is very powerful as the minister losing his faith. Mawhinney, Benson and Mayo are gifted actors, each of them wonderfully portraying the anger, hope and hopelessness of youths trying to find their way in the world. Benson is both alluring and funny as she tries to seduce McKeever while sprawled out on a funeral casket.

Emerick, as the minister’s daughter, is superb as the “prodigal child” who tries to relive the life she left behind in this small town. (It is great to see Emerick at the Public Theatre once again, having seen her great performance in “Proof” at this theater.)

The set, nicely designed by Christopher Price, is as unusual as the show. It takes the audience from the barren aisles of the Protestant church to the inner sanctum of the mortician’s work area. There’s lots of effective lighting (compliments to Bart Garvey) that gives depth to the set and varying moods to each scene.

If you can take the off-color language and the gags about death and dying, this is a surprisingly entertaining show. Theater-goers will love the actors, the set and the story.

“Moonshine” runs through March 20. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 782-3200. More information may be obtained at the theater’s Web site, www.thepublictheatre.org.

Dan Marois is a marketing professional, actor and writer. He also is co-owner of Main Street Entertainment and Mystery for Hire. He can be reached at dmarois@pivot.net.
Go and do:

What: “Moonshine”

When: March 17-20

Where: The Public Theatre

Tickets: 782-3200

Copy the Story Link